Q&A: Water Stains on Glulams

Concrete Addition

Q.On a recent job we had
trouble with rain water getting through the paper
wrapping on some architectural grade glulam beams How
can the water stains be removed?

A.Weathering stains
can usually be removed by bleaching with a solution
of one pound of oxalic acid crystals dissolved in a
gallon of warm water. This bleach may be applied
with a cloth swab, brush, or sponge, then rinsed
off thoroughly with warm water after the stains
disappear. The bleached area will probably have to
be refinished, and matching the original finish can
be difficult. Prevention, of course, is the best
solution.